By Gabriel Kim Leal
(June 10, 2024) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) is considering filing charges against an online personality who recently went viral for an alleged escort-for-hire service to avoid heavy traffic.
In a media conference, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo affirmed that the HPG is now investigating the involved woman, identified as Mary Joy Santiago, for claiming that her husband paid for an HPG officer to escort her on the road.
However, the PNP said Santiago is unwilling to cooperate.
“Noong una, sumasagot pa siya. Pero nung sumunod, may reasons na siya na busy siya, marami raw siyang engagaments. Hindi na nakakausap,” said Fajardo.
Santiago’s post quickly spread on social media, with netizens calling out her sense of entitlement and for allegedly using HPG’s resources for personal convenience.
ALSO READ: Netizens call out woman over viral post of HPG escort to avoid traffic
She added that the HPG is looking into two possible scenarios: either Santiago’s escort was not an actual HPG officer or she was just joking about it.
“Sabi ng Highway Patrol ay mukhang hindi nila tao itong pulis na nakita kasi nag-implement sila ng bagong uniporme na may serial numbers na. Kung mapapansin niyo, walang serial number ito at maging ang side boxes nung motor ay walang mga marking,” added Fajardo.
If the HPG pushes through with filing a case, Santiago will be charged under the cybercrime law.
On Sunday, the HPG maintained that it does not tolerate any form of escort-for-hire services. It also warned against posting malicious content that could damage the reputation of the HPG.
“We will file the necessary cybercrime-related offenses to those individuals who will post any malicious statements that will malign/tarnish the image of the HPG,” said HPG special operations chief Col. Joel Casupanan in a statement.
(PM)
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